Passion over profit: Nawazuddin’s bold move
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is once again proving that for him, art comes before money. The critically acclaimed actor has revealed that he didn’t charge a single rupee for his latest film Main Actor Nahin Hoon — a decision he says is in line with what he did for the 2018 gem Manto.
In an exclusive chat, Siddiqui opened up about his unconventional choice. “Of course, money is important. I’m not denying that. But if money becomes the only thing guiding your decisions as an actor, then your passion begins to suffer somewhere,” he said, adding that he never entered the industry with dreams of becoming a crorepati overnight.
“If earning money was my only goal, I could have done something else entirely. In fact, I didn’t take any money for this film and even for Manto,” he confessed, making it clear that for him, the story always comes first.
Why this film deserved his time for free
Siddiqui strongly believes that Main Actor Nahin Hoon is a story that needed to be told — regardless of its commercial potential. “It may release on only 50 or 60 screens, with limited shows, but while shooting it, I genuinely enjoyed myself as an actor. It reminded me of theatre days: experimental, honest, and free,” he shared.
For an actor known for his powerhouse performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox, this project is a return to the raw, unfiltered energy of his early days. Industry insiders say that Siddiqui’s decision to work without a fee is a testament to his commitment to meaningful cinema, even when the budgets are small.
What’s next for the actor
While Main Actor Nahin Hoon might be a small film, Nawazuddin has his eyes set on a massive sequel. The actor is currently in development on Tumbbad 2, the follow-up to the 2018 cult horror film that earned a dedicated fanbase. Sources close to the production reveal that shooting is expected to begin soon, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation.
With his no-fee stance and a sequel to a cult classic on the horizon, Nawazuddin continues to prove that in Bollywood, sometimes the biggest stars are the ones who don’t chase the biggest paychecks.